HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) — Huntsville Animal Services hit critical capacity a few days ago, but over the weekend, dozens of kennels were emptied as dogs were adopted.
Huntsville Animal Services declared a state of emergency Thursday because staff and volunteers were caring for more than 115 dogs.
“We were real critical,” said Animal Care Supervisor Stefany McBride. “Dogs were all in single kennels. We really love them in double kennels so they can have a bathroom side and a place to go on the other side.”
Since asking for help, the shelter has adopted out 73 dogs and 17 cats.
“Everybody stepped up,” McBride said. “I know people were having to wait in line on Friday and Saturday to adopt dogs, but we really appreciate their time and patience to come and help all these dogs out.”
Though there is more space in the kennels now, plenty of animals still need help.
“It’s almost like it’s a band aid for a little while,” McBride said. “We hope to not get to that point again, but we will fill back up.”
More than 30 dogs are still available for adoption at Huntsville Animal Services. The Foster to Adopt program allows families 30 days to see if they are a good match for an animal.
If you are not ready for a long-term commitment, there are other ways to help. Some foster situations are more temporary. Families can bring a dog or cat home for a month, week or even a few days, so the pet can spend some time outside the shelter.
“A lot of people come pick a dog up on Friday, take it home for the weekend and bring it back Monday,” McBride said.” They write us a nice little bio letting us know if it rode in the car well, if they took it to the dog park and it played well with other dogs.”
Short pet biographies allow prospective families to learn more about an animal they are looking to adopt.
Huntsville Animal Services accepts donations of new and used pet supplies, including leftover dog or cat food, toys, used towels and sheets, and even newspapers.
